- Widely recognised for its classic American cars and potent V8 and V6 engines, Buick has also made some Mild-hybrid cars like the Lacrosse, Regal, Enclave, and Envision.
- As of now, the only two Mild-hybrid Buick cars that made it into the States were the LaCrosse and Regal eAssist Mild-hybrids.
- Late to the party though, Buick has been sprinkling promises of catching up with the Hybrid and Electric vehicle wave soon.
A subsidiary of General Motors (GM) today, Buick is not only the oldest operational US car manufacturer, but also the most reliable US carmaker today. Known for its premium positioning and upmarket packaging, Buick also confidently brought multiple innovations in the automotive landscape.
While Buick has a profound history with V8 and V6 engines, the American native brand has also had its stint with Hybrid technology. A little late to the party though, Buick is yet to explore the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) or EV (Electric Vehicle) space though. However, since a while now, Buick has been using its mild-hybrid technology in some of its vehicles.
Key Buick models that feature mild-hybrid assistance in the powertrain include the now discontinued Lacrosse and the Regal. The Enclave and Envision SUVs have also featured Buick’s nimble hybrid technology, but for the Chinese market only. That being said, we take a quick look down below at Buick’s existing Hybrid lineage, and its future green-leaning aspirations.
What Is The Buick eAssist Hybrid System?
Unveiled first with the Buick Lacrosse eAssist Hybrid in 2012, this mild-hybrid system was not a fresh cuisine for GM’s premium division though. The technology was harnessed from GM’s now defunct ‘Saturn’ brand. It was back in 2007 when Saturn brought the ‘Vue Green Line’ SUV featuring a BAS (Belt-Alternator System). Over the years, other GM brands gradually adopted the BAS system which was later called as the eAssist System.
- The BAS system pairs an electric motor/generator, and a 24-cell 0.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with the gasoline engine.
- The electric motor, christened as the General Motor Unit (GMU) by GM, replaces the traditional alternator, and depending on the mode, can switch to being belt-driven.
While GM’s eAssist technology may not be at the forefront of green mobility, but it does add to the overall fuel efficiency. The energy collected from regenerative braking is converted into electricity by the MGU and stored in the battery pack. When the gasoline engine comes to a halt, the battery powers other functions of the car. The battery power is also used to restart the engine once the brakes are released, also resulting in an additional torque while flooring the accelerator.
Buick’s Current Lineup And Hybrid Cars
For the American market, Buick has by far introduced just two hybrid models with its hybrid eAssist Technology. The system made its way into the States for the first time in 2012 with the LaCrosse eAssist Hybrid and the Regal eAssist Hybrid.
Buick also showcased a Plug-In Hybrid concept of the Buick Envision in the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show. However, the concept was intended for the Chinese market only which accounts for Buick’s 80% global car sales.
At present though, there are no Hybrid Buick models available in the States. However, with the introduction of the all-new revised third-gen full size Buick Enclave there are anticipations that Buick could introduce a Hybrid Enclave soon.
Buick Hybrid Cars: The Expected Road Ahead
Being on the dormant side despite its premium positioning in the GM family, Buick has started slowly revamping its entire lineup, marking a fresh and modern shift in its market approach. While Buick is yet to catch-up the mainstream mass hybrid train, Hybrid Vehicles are certainly not an exploratory turf for General Motors.
While GM brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac are heavily pushing towards future electric mobility, they have rolled down several hybrid models in the past two decades. Some of the notable hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models from GM’s Chevrolet include the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, Impala Hybrid, Malibu Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Volt.
On the other hand, GM’s flagship brand Cadillac has also pushed hybrid vehicles in the past like the Cadillac CT6 PHEV, Cadillac ELR PHEV, and the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. However, within a few years after their launch, GM discontinued its Hybrid models. This was because of GM’s slower release of hybrid models that made it harder for the masses to get over GM’s gasoline-powered identity.
Related: Top Affordable Picks For Hybrid Car Buyers
GM’s Green Stint: Driven By Cadillac and Chevrolet
Slow to the party among a rapidly evolving automotive technology landscape, also played a role in phasing down GM’s hybrid portfolio. The pacing tech quickly leaped from hybrid and PHEVs to Electric Mobility, forcing GM to brace up the new Electric shift. Light on its feet this time, GM was quick to engage its EV gear with launching numerous electric vehicles under its various brands like Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC in quick time.
While the latest Cadillac Lyric EV SUV sold out in just 4 hours after bookings for the same commenced, Buick is also working on its Wildcat EV Concept. Besides the Wildcat, Buick is also likely to push out more EV models, following a similar roadmap as its other GM siblings, For Hybrid vehicles though, we might see some PHEV models from Buick as well in the near future. However, Buick’s primary focus should be on electric mobility.
Related: Hybrid vs All-Electric: Which One to Get?
Used Buick Hybrid Cars In States
Since Buick no longer sells brand new Hybrid vehicles in the States, Buick loyalists who wish to get one of these can still find one with good value in the used car market. While both the Hybrid Buick models, the LaCrosse and Regal eAssist Hybrids were launched in 2012 in the States, the Buick Regal mild Hybrid was discontinued in 2015, and the LaCrosse eAssist Hybrid was called off in 2019.
Both the hybrid sedans are powered by a similar hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.4-liter inline-4 motor paired with a 24-cell lithium-ion battery pack. Not very thrifty though, but the hybrid models did offer slightly better fuel economy than their regular gasoline counterparts.
True to their core being a Buick, both the Hybrid Buick sedans offer good comfort and upscale presentation. Not to forget Buick’s elegant yet sophisticated exterior design paired with a healthy suite of available features in both the cars. As a full-size sedan, while the LaCrosse offers generous cabin space, the Regal Hybrid too packs ample room to move occupants around with great comfort.
If you are still confused about a used hybrid vehicle, our expert team at Schumacher Used in New Jersey is here to help you find the best used hybrid cars that fit your lifestyle.
Contact us or directly choose from a large selection of used vehicles for sale online.
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Yes. Buick has a healthy history of making Mild-hybrid cars. They have produced multiple Mild-hybrid cars in the past decades.
No, Buick does not have any new hybrid models on offer in the States at the moment. Currently, Buick makes Hybrid Cars only for the Chinese market.
Buick discontinued the Regal eAssist Mild-hybrid in the States in 2015, while the LaCrosse eAssist Hybrid stopped production in 2019.
As of now, Buick does not make a Hybrid Enclave. However, with the launch of the new third-gen 2025 Buick, it is expected that Buick might introduce a Hybrid Enclave soon.
Buick has unveiled its all-electric Wildcat EV Concept recently, and the Buick EV model is currently under production. The all-new Buick EV is likely to be introduced in the States towards the later half of 2025.
